Explore Franschhoek — South Africa's food and wine capital. Guide to the famous Wine Tram, Michelin-quality restaurants, top estates, and our expert-led tours.
Tucked into a valley surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, Franschhoek is South Africa's culinary heartland. Founded by French Huguenot refugees in 1688, this village of just 16,000 people punches absurdly above its weight — with more award-winning restaurants per capita than anywhere in Africa.
The Wine Tram
The Franschhoek Wine Tram is the most fun way to explore the valley. Hop between estates on vintage tram cars and open-air buses, tasting as you go. Routes cover 8 different loops, connecting over 20 estates. Book early — it's wildly popular.
Top Estates
- Babylonstoren — Spectacular farm hotel with award-winning garden restaurant Babel
- La Motte — Fine wine museum, elegant tastings, and the Pierneef à La Motte restaurant
- Boschendal — Historic estate with picnic experiences under ancient oaks
- Haute Cabrière — Famous for their sabraging ceremony (opening champagne with a sabre)
Where to Eat
- La Petite Colombe — Consistently ranked in the world's top 100
- Le Coin Français — Fine dining French-South African fusion
- Reuben's — Celebrity chef Reuben Riffel's flagship
- Ryan's Kitchen — Farm-to-table creativity
Our Franschhoek Tours
🍷 Franschhoek Wine & Food Day — From R1,499
3 estate tastings + gourmet lunch. Hotel pickup from Cape Town, scenic Franschhoek Pass drive.
🍷 Wine Tram Experience — From R999
Transport to Franschhoek + Wine Tram tickets for a full day of hop-on hop-off estate hopping.
"Franschhoek is where food meets art. Every meal was a masterpiece, every wine estate a painting come to life." — Marie-Claire, Montreal
